A CLEVEDON mum who was diagnosed with breast cancer just days before Christmas in 2010 has been chosen to start an annual fundraising race.

Rachel Bassett has been selected by Cancer Research UK to launch its 10km Race for Life on Bristol’s Downs in June, when she will say a few words to spur on participants.

When the 38-year-old found out she had breast cancer, she initially thought it meant a death sentence.

However, she has responded well to months of treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and is now issuing a rallying cry to women in the area to take part in the Race for Life and raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The mum-of-three of Edward Road was diagnosed with cancer after discovering a lump in her breast.

She said: “I wasn’t worried when I first found the lump as I thought it was just one of those boob things.

“It turned out that the lump was a cyst, but under the cyst was a tumour. They broke the news to me two days before Christmas, just as my husband and I were due to go out for lunch and then take the children out to play in the snow.

“To me cancer meant death and I spent the next three to four days in a state of complete disbelief.”

In January 2011, Rachel underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In October, she underwent breast reconstructive surgery and still has regular check-ups. However, Rachel’s life is returning to normal and she is now back at the gym and out running on a regular basis.

She said: “I have had a year from hell but it could have been so much worse. I feel I am one of the lucky ones.

“I want people to know their world won’t necessarily come to an end if they are diagnosed with cancer.”

The women-only Race for Life will take place in Bristol on June 9 when there will also be 5km race starting from the same place. It is not competitive and participants can complete the distance at their own pace.

To enter the event visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.